Should I do anything for this split in bark?

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Feb 20, 2009

Just noticed this on my favorite Ginkgo, 'Ross Moore' and was wondering if I need to do anything to help it mend?

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Feb 20, 2009

Another view...

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snapple45 Holland, OH(Zone 5b) Feb 21, 2009

There really isn't anything you can do as far as I know. Do you see any signs of healing, like a callous forming at the edges underneath the loose bark? The split looks clean with no sign of fungus or rot setting in. My guess is that it will heal up OK over time. I've never had a Ginkgo do that, but I'm watching a JM 'Veridis', and a JM 'Shirazz' heal up. Both split just above the graft, which tells you something. I just had a Malus Sargentii 'Tina' finally close up a bark split after three years. This one was a bash from improper handling in the nursery.

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Feb 21, 2009

Thanks snapple. After closer inspection, it does look like the edges are healed. I wonder if it grew too fast. It was a mere 12" 4 years ago and now it's at 11'.

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snapple45 Holland, OH(Zone 5b) Feb 21, 2009

I remember your shots of that tree. I see that you don't have it staked any more. The growing too fast theroy is probably correct, especially if it was kept well watered.

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HoosierGreen Danville, IN Feb 22, 2009

Wow! A ginko growing 10' in only four years must be some sort of record! How many varieties do you have now?

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Feb 22, 2009

I think I'm at 26. Always hunting for new ones.

Anyone know a source for 'Beijing Gold' or 'California Sunset'?

This message was edited Feb 21, 2009 8:44 PM

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Leftwood Saint Bonifacius, MN(Zone 4a) Feb 23, 2009

I don't see how it growing fast could cause a split. The wood that is now exposed is dead, even before it split, and it does not expand with tree growth. This is normal. It is only the outer parts of a stem that is living.

You in Ohio are probably past the time, but here in MN it is still prime time for frost cracking on tree trunks. Next season, and until the crack heals completely, you will want to either wrap the trunk or shade it in some way, like with some 4 inch plastic corrugated tiling split lengthwise to fit around the trunk. Do this from the end of Nov to mid March. Otherwise, the crack might grow larger over the winter again.
Rick

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snapple45 Holland, OH(Zone 5b) Feb 23, 2009

If it's beginning to heal and roll in with a callous wouldn't the split have happend prior to the last growing season? I think if it split this winter there would be no sign yet of any callous formation.

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